Christmas at Le Chateau Lasserre


Well someone's got to be the first to mention it so it may as well be me !

Do I really need to paint the picture for you again ? oh go on then I'll whip out my best sable brushes. Let's start with the Azure blue sky shall we ?, there again it could be periwinkle or cornflower dreamily dotted with plump white blobs of cotton wool. Stretching out to the hills beyond row upon row of ever ripening luscious vines luxuriating under the sun in various hues of green.

But as pleasing as it is I can't afford to dwell on this idyllic bliss for I must now start to re-think my canvas for the coming months ahead. Soon the panoramic vista from Le Chateau will rapidly change. Once the vines have been harvested they turn the landscape into a kaleidoscope of riotous and robust deep reds and mellow yellows before finally resembling an army of stark twisted stumps of black. All seasons present the artist, photographer or writer with visual delights and inspiration but for me also the business of equipping Le Chateau with her winter wardrobe.

Clotted cream old linen drapes are replaced with thick interlined curtains, rugs and throws in warm colours are added as the house is prepared for winter. French shabby chic at it's most seductive. Logs are carefully stacked and stored ready to be taken by wheelbarrow into the cosy sitting room where the crackling dancing flames will sooth and slow down the visitor. The piano sits in the corner ready for long drawn out nights, puzzles and games come out of the cupboard and the Aga which is truly the heart of the home repays us tenfold with a steady heat.

Meanwhile gazing down at the gnarled and twisted olive tree adding that Mediterranean touch and laden with olives, once more to be harvested in rich olive oil, garlic and herbs to nibble with a glass of one of the Languedoc wines it is difficult to propel myself forward.

But propel myself forward I must, to Christmas, New Year and as far away as Autumn 2008.

Sally's Chateau cannot afford to sit still and ponder the concept of 'Living the Dream' ....

Comments

ChrisH said…
It's about time someone snapped you up - I was going to say as a columnist but, hey ho, that path leads to much stamping of feet - but someone ought to be paying you to write for them.
Zoë said…
But you are providing the dream for others to live, albeitly for a couple of weeks at a time. Sounds fabulous and cocoon like, look forward to seeing some images of the house in her winter finery.
Oh with you on the looking ahead . . trying to find a new log provider - ours has had a row with his working partner . .

Oh Sally I LOVE the snow - but that picture, lovely as it is made even me shiver . . . I do want a bit of sun before the Autumn starts and it isn't far off now is it.
Grouse said…
I've only just stopped worrying about the sweet peas being frosted.................
Rotunda said…
AH what a delightful picture you paint, after summer in England has been so dire why not start thinking ahead to christmas after all its been cold enough for a roaring log fire since about July most days!!!

I do not know your part of the world but it does sound terribly enticing when you write about it so well!! I shall pop off now and look at your website and see if I might just book early for christmas!!
Suffolkmum said…
Wow Sally you do write beautifully. I heard logs cracklling over the fire just then ...I agree with Zoe, you are fulfilling everyone else's dreams!
Frances said…
Bon jour to you Sally.

This morning I have treated myself to reading many of your most recent blogs. I was absolutely transported. How lucky are the folks that benefit from your imagination, hard work, style and grace! Each season surpasses what went before.

Best wishes to you and His Lordship. The light coming through the leaves of the lane of trees was truly beautiful.

xo
patsy said…
How stylish Sally ... the work of a top chatelaine is never done!
Sounds idyllic..I'm more of a cold weather person myself provided comfort is in rich supply but then, my favourite word in the dictionary is "cosy"!
We tend to hibernate at Ackergill Tower near Wick...
Sally's Chateau said…
Well thanks Chris and Suffolkmum for your kind words, problem is now do I lie in the hammock under the fig tree and dollydaydream or perch under the olive tree and watch for those flying pigs I've been told about. (Deep sigh) My publishing Prince will come, I guess he has gone to Provence by mistake.
Sally's Chateau said…
Hastily re-entering the scene ... I meant 'thank you ' everyone !!, currently engaged with Frenchman poking head in gas oven, er, Living THE Dream ........
Crystal Jigsaw said…
You made old linen drapes sound delicious!

Crystal xx
bodran... said…
FAb one day i'll be there xoo..By the do your clotted cream curtains drip???
Faith said…
Mmm lovely.... well written. Christmas in the imagination is soooo much better than in reality! We too have aga, logs, bright rugs etc..... but I still find it a stressful time.
FunkyMunky said…
All I could think as I read this was "I want to go there. That's how I would like to spend Christmas." I could almost hear the tinkling of the piano ...

Alas, Christmas of dry turkey and burnt sprouts here in Essex beckons for me again this year!!
shaking of piggy bank going on in the background here...got to get there...got to get there...may have to walk...but will do it!! Snow means no skimpy swimsuits...I'd better book a snowing week then!! Would hate to frighten natives!!
Exmoorjane said…
Noooooooo.....I can't bear it. We haven't had summer yet. And the wind is rattlign through the windows here in August so heaven help us in December!
I have fig envy now.....deeply love figs. jxx
CAMILLA said…
Beautifully written Sally, you have transported me there in my dreams. I adore Christmas, Snow, Crackling Logs on the Fire, but do not like hearing jingle-bells, jingle-bells blaring out through the music speakers in the Supermarket, whilst I am searching for the Sage & Onion!

Camilla.x

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